DIURIL (chlorothiazide) is indicated in the management of hypertension either
as the sole therapeutic agent or to enhance the effectiveness of other
antihypertensive drugs in the more severe forms of hypertension.

Use in Pregnancy

Routine use of diuretics during normal pregnancy is
inappropriate and exposes mother and fetus to unnecessary hazard. Diuretics do not
prevent development of toxemia of pregnancy and there is no satisfactory
evidence that they are useful in the treatment of toxemia.

Edema during pregnancy may arise from pathologic causes or from the physiologic
and mechanical consequences of pregnancy. Thiazides are indicated in pregnancy
when edema is due to pathologic causes, just as they are in the absence of pregnancy
(see PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy). Dependent
edema in pregnancy, resulting from restriction of venous return by the graviduterus, is properly treated through elevation of the lower extremities and use
of support stockings. Use of diuretics to lower intravascular volume in this
instance is illogical and unnecessary. During normal pregnancy there is hypervolemia
which is not harmful to the fetus or the mother in the absence of cardiovascular
disease. However, it may be associated with edema, rarely generalized edema.
If such edema causes discomfort, increased recumbency will often provide relief.
Rarely this edema may cause extreme discomfort which is not relieved by rest.
In these instances, a short course of diuretic therapy may provide relief and
be appropriate.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Therapy should be individualized according to patient
response. Use the smallest dosage necessary to achieve the required response.

Adults

For Edema

The usual adult dosage is 500 mg to 1000 mg (10 mL to 20 mL)
once or twice a day. Many patients with edema respond to intermittent therapy,
i.e., administration on alternate days or on three to five days each week. With
an intermittent schedule, excessive response and the resulting undesirable
electrolyte imbalance are less likely to occur.

For Control of Hypertension

The usual adult starting dosage is 500 mg or 1000 mg (10 mL
to 20 mL) a day as a single or divided dose. Dosage is increased or decreased
according to blood pressure response. Rarely some patients may require up to
2000 mg (40 mL) a day in divided doses.

Infants and Children

For Diuresis and For Control of Hypertension

The usual pediatric dosage is 5 mg to 10 mg per pound (10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg)
per day in single or two divided doses, not to exceed 375 mg per day (2.5 mL
to 7.5 mL or ½ to 1½ teaspoonfuls of the oral suspension daily) in infants up
to 2 years of age or 1000 mg per day in children 2 to 12 years of age. In infants
less than 6 months of age, doses up to 15 mg per pound (30 mg/kg) per day in
two divided doses may be required. (See PRECAUTIONS,
Pediatric Use.)

HOW SUPPLIED

DIURIL Oral Suspension, 250 mg of chlorothiazide per 5 mL,
is a yellow, creamy suspension, and is supplied as follows: